Loading listings
River Falls is a city of about 15,000 in Pierce County, western Wisconsin, approximately 30 miles east of St. Paul, Minnesota. The city is home to UW-River Falls and benefits from its proximity to the Twin Cities metro, giving students access to internships and employment beyond the immediate area. River Falls has a lively small-town character with a walkable downtown and the scenic Kinnickinnic River running through the community. Its location near a major metro while maintaining a small-city feel makes it a popular choice for students from both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Where most students live, along Main Street and adjacent residential blocks.
A blend of apartment complexes and older rental homes with affordable pricing and easy campus access.
Within comfortable walking distance of most student housing, with dining, coffee shops, and retail services.
Quieter surroundings or larger units at lower price points. The flat layout and Kinnickinnic River trail make most neighborhoods accessible by foot or bike.
Here's what you need to know about getting around River Falls.
River Falls does not have a local public bus system, so most students rely on personal vehicles or active transportation to get around the city. Some students commute to or from the Twin Cities using personal vehicles, as River Falls sits along the I-94 corridor roughly 30 miles from St. Paul. There is no regular intercity bus or rail service directly serving River Falls.
River Falls has a flat topography that makes walking and biking practical for most students living near campus. The Kinnickinnic River trail and local bike lanes provide pleasant routes for commuting between campus, downtown, and residential neighborhoods. A bike is a cost-effective way to handle daily errands and campus commutes for much of the academic year.
Parking is widely available in River Falls, with most rental properties near campus offering dedicated off-street spaces. Street parking is generally free or low-cost in residential neighborhoods, and the university maintains on-campus lots for students with parking permits. Students driving to campus regularly should confirm parking availability with their landlord and review university permit requirements before the semester begins.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
River Falls offers a laid-back small-city lifestyle with easy access to campus, a walkable downtown, and nature along the Kinnickinnic River. The proximity to the Twin Cities gives students access to a major metro while still enjoying affordable small-town living.
Browse student housing near each River Falls-area university.